TNT Idol Yan Haoxiang’s 21st‑Birthday Post Goes Viral After Mirrored ‘21’ Hand Gesture Gaffe
Fans of the Chinese boy‑band TNT (时代少年团) were in good spirits this week when Liu Yaowen took to Weibo to celebrate his bandmate Yan Haoxiang’s 21st birthday. The post, which combined a warm birthday message with a snapshot of the two young idols, quickly turned into a light‑hearted meme after observers noticed a quirky visual slip‑up.

16 August 2025
In the picture Liu and Yan hold up their fingers to form the number “21,” a typical gesture for marking a birthday. However, the image appears to have been mirrored, so the digits read “12” to anyone scrolling through the feed. The accidental reversal sparked a flurry of teasing comments from fans, who joked that the pair must have missed the fact that the photo was flipped. One popular remark, translated loosely, asked, “They wouldn’t not know the photo’s mirrored, would they?” The playful banter underscored the close rapport between the two singers and the affection their followers feel for their on‑stage camaraderie.
The context of the post adds another layer to the story. Liu’s birthday tribute coincided with a concert that the group was performing, reinforcing how intertwined their personal milestones and professional engagements have become. While the mishap itself is harmless, it illustrates the intensity of fan interaction on platforms such as Weibo, where even a minor visual quirk can spark trending discussions.
Beyond the joke, the exchange highlights a broader narrative fans have been tracking for several years. Over the past five birthdays, supporters have charted a timeline of the duo’s evolving relationship: from a secret crush at 17, to an openly declared admiration at 18, a passionate friendship at 19, growing public interest at 20, and now widespread fan adulation at 21. The optimism continues into the next year, with many anticipating further developments as the pair move forward together in the group’s activities.
Overall, the episode is a reminder of how contemporary celebrity culture operates in the digital age. A simple birthday greeting, amplified by a mirrored hand gesture, can become a viral talking point that blends humor, fandom, and a celebration of youth. No deeper industry or societal implications are at play; the incident remains a charming footnote in the daily lives of two rising Chinese idols, and a testament to the light‑hearted spirit that often characterizes fan communities on Chinese social media.
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